Tinley Park|News|
'Life Or Death': Tinley Mom Of 2 Desperate To Find Living Liver Donor
Elizabeth Heaton, 35, has fought a chronic liver disease since 2017. Without a transplant, her time—and options—are running out.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
- Tinley Park, IL
I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I attained both my bachelor and master degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During my time in local news, I have learned invaluable lessons in journalism, as I teared up while covering the funeral of a beloved couple and chased a renegade miniature pony through a subdivision. I have seen firsthand what responsible, inspiring hyper-local journalism can do for a community.
I started with Patch in 2010, as a Local Editor covering the south suburbs. In 2017, I moved into the national role of Deputy Managing Editor and now Director of Editorial Recruitment and Training, in which I handle the recruiting, hiring, and training of journalists on our team, in addition to other editorial projects. I'm thrilled to contribute in such a way to a news organization I've grown to love so deeply over the past 12 years.
Questions? Concerns? Comments? You have my full attention at lauren.traut@patch.com, or 708-323-6173.
Posting Activity
Tinley Park|News|
Repairs To I-80 Bridge On Oak Park Avenue Postponed: Village
The closure of Oak Park Avenue on Friday, Jan. 26 was to be for repairs to be made to the I-80 bridge, Village officials said Thursday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Stink Fogs 'Burbs | Guilty Of Coerced Child Labor | Crackers Tossed
PLUS: 2 adults, 1 baby injured in crash | Q of H at $230K | Kmart property sells | Little girl on big stages | Beloved bistro sold to chef
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
2 Adults, 1 Baby Injured In 2-Car Crash At US 52, Smith Road
The crash happened at the intersection of US 52 and Smith Road Wednesday around 4 p.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Girl, 11, Shines On National Stages In Les Misérables Tour
Olivia Grace O'Sullivan is getting a taste of stardom, playing the role of Little Cosette in a national tour of the musical Les Mis.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Raiders To Lead 15th Annual Fleadh Parade
The instructional football group for kids ages 5–14 will lead the parade Saturday, March 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman, 2 Daughters Forced West African Children To Work At Salon: Jury
A jury convicted the Hazel Crest woman and her two daughters, of Hazel Crest and Country Club Hills, on Tuesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Owners Of Beloved Bistro On Sterling Sell Business To Head Chef
In an announcement on social media, the owners thanked customers for their support, "the lifeblood of our restaurant."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Long-Vacant New Lenox Kmart Property Sells For $2.9 Million
The sale was closed Jan. 16, the new owner said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Eastern Avenue Finally Open—Yes, Really: Manhattan Mayor
The one-mile, newly built extension is open to traffic as of Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Natural Gas Odor Is From Cleanup After Leak At Whiting Refinery: BP
Residents noticed the smell in the area Wednesday morning.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman Stuck, Hit By Train | 4 Slain In Tinley | Guilty 10 Years Later
PLUS: Shelter closed after fire | 'Don't be a hero,' thief warns | Q of H up to $235K | New name in NL | Doomsday Clock stays at 90 seconds
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'They're Gone. Everything Is OK', Tinley Man Told Cops After Slayings
Accused of killing his wife and 3 daughters, Maher Kassem, 63, appeared in court Tuesday afternoon. He was ordered to remain in custody.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial Trivia Night Fundraiser Set For March 15
Organizers hope to raise $5,000 at the March 15 trivia event, to be held at Flossmoor Community House.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial One Step Closer With Site Plan Approval
The Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial is another step closer to coming to fruition, with approval of a site plan and a special use permit.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Murder Charges For Tinley Man In Slayings Of Wife, 3 Daughters: PD
Maher Kassem, 63, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and three daughters Sunday at their home.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Mother, 3 Daughters Were Shot Multiple Times: Medical Examiner
Autopsies on the victims of a quadruple homicide in Tinley Park Sunday have been completed. All were shot multiple times.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Lincoln-Way Preschool Program Registration Opens Jan. 29
Registration can be completed online. No phone registrations will be taken. Registration takes place Jan. 29–31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley 'Heartbroken,' Details Sparse In Killings Of Mom, 3 Daughters
Tinley Park officials on Monday were unable to give many details surrounding the fatal shooting of a mother and her three daughters Sunday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Slain Mom, Daughters Remembered For Strong Bond, 'Gentle' Natures
Majeda, Halema, Hanan and Zahia Kassem are being honored in an online fundraiser to generate funds to build a mosque in Africa.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
